PM Imran felicitates ‘steadfast friend China’ on 70th National Day

Pakistan-China relations have gone from strength to strength, says premier

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday felicitated China on its 70^th National Day, saying he has always admired the country for its development and fight against corruption.

Writing on his official Twitter handle, the premier said: “Today on the 70th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China I want to extend our nation's greetings to our true & steadfast friend China. I have always admired China's development & fight against corruption.”

Today on the 70th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China I want to extend our nation's greetings to our true & steadfast friend China. I have always admired China's development & fight against corruption.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 1, 2019

While shedding light on the bilateral relations, PM Imran termed the multibillion-dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the reflection of the strong bond both countries have exhibited in years.

“Pakistan-China relations have gone from strength to strength & CPEC is a reflection of our mutual commitment to this enduring relationship.” PM Imran also said in another tweet.

Pakistan-China relations have gone from strength to strength & CPEC is a reflection of our mutual commitment to this enduring relationship.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 1, 2019

Earlier in the day, China celebrated its growing power and confidence with a massive display of military hardware and goose-stepping troops in Beijing, overseen by President Xi Jinping who pledged peaceful development on the 70th birthday of Communist China.

PM Imran is scheduled to visit China next week in a development seen as crucial against the backdrop of simmering tensions between Pakistan and India over the longstanding Kashmir dispute.

PM Imran to visit China next week amid Kashmir crises

China is one of those countries, which publicly supported Pakistan after India on August 5 unilaterally and illegally changed the status of disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, while addressing the UNGA annual session, stressed that Kashmir is a disputed territory and its resolution has to be found keeping in view the UN Charter, relevant UN resolutions and bilateral agreements.

Apart from discussing Kashmir and regional security situation, PM Imran would also renew Pakistan’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

(With additional input from our correspondent in Islamabad)